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Every fall it's the same story: Rustproofing companies begin an aggressive advertising campaign, corner garages put up signs on the kerb displaying their available rust treatments and we get coupons in the mail and by email. It is a seasonal topic but rust is a year-round issue. Many people are confronted by something they know they should do to protect their car but are often not certain as to what they should do.

Are your brakes making questionable sounds? Does your brake pedal nearly go to the floor before your vehicle slows down? Does your car or truck's stopping power seem to be going out the window?

The specialists will tell you, cleaning a car requires extensive care, good products and the patience of a saint. Especially if you're doing it yourself. But mishandle products or use inappropriate ones, and you can kiss the desired results goodbye.

Like many motorists, chances are you'll probably be hitting the highways in the family crossover or SUV and doing some form of towing this summer. If you're thinking of investing in a trailer, your dealership can help you find an adequate new or used vehicle that meets your exact needs. They can also help ensure that the vehicle in question remains in top shape throughout the season.

Driveability, fuel consumption and performance issues on a vehicle can cause motorists to assume the worst-- but the fix is sometimes a very simple one.

It's a concept you're familiar with from the entrance way to your house: in wintertime, salt, sand, dirt and moisture all wind up getting inside and making a mess. Whether tracked in on boots, clothing or pets, the above wind up attacking flooring and carpeting and can be easily ground in- causing damage if not properly cleaned up.

Temperatures and daylight have decreased, and Canada's motorists are now faced with the most challenging travel season of the year- winter. Though travelling at sub-zero temperatures through nasty weather conditions can be daunting, it can also be rewarding and relaxing- depending on your level of preparedness.

With the change from fall's beautiful colors and diminishing warmth to the bitter arrival of winter, it's easy to forget the family vehicle amidst other chores around the house, cottage and yard. No matter the make, model or age of your family ride, chances are that you rely on it for safe, trouble-free transportation every day of the year.

The car care isle is a war-zone of products competing for your dollar with the biggest claims and flashiest packaging. The selection process can be daunting- but Jim Dvorak, a car care specialist from Mothers, helps sort things out in an interview with Justin Pritchard. Our correspondent then put Jim's advice to the test on an old pink Mustang.

Not to cause any undue alarm, but your vehicle could have a ticking time-bomb lying in wait underneath its hood. It's called the timing belt- a very simple part that can cause very big problems if it's not taken care of. Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle, there's a pretty good chance a rubber timing belt is used to control the engine's valve timing.

It's generally wintertime when motorists are most concerned about the state of their vehicles battery and charging system. Cold temperatures, thickened engine oil and heavy electrical drain on the vehicle can all take their toll- though the summertime poses its own set of challenges for the electrical heart of your car. It's important to remember that hot weather can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery and charging system- and that it's still important to have them checked out and serviced occasionally, even when it's warm.

With the environment on the minds of the masses, it's becoming increasingly important for motorists to minimize their impact while behind the wheel as much as possible. New vehicles are cleaner and more environmentally friendly than ever- though they contain numerous chemicals and systems that can be potentially damaging to Mother Nature if not taken care of properly.

Every summer, thousands of Ontarians hit the highways towing a camper or some power-toys behind their trucks and SUV's. On any given long weekend, you probably notice huge flocks of trailers and toys headed down the highway bound for cottages, camps and other weekend escapes with family and friends.

There's that distinct smell in the air, mornings aren't so chilly, and it's obvious that spring is well on its way here. Hopefully your family vehicle has made it through the winter unscathed- and you're probably thinking of putting it back into warm-weather mode. Winter is hard on your car- and the temperatures, ice, salt and added stresses of cold weather driving put every component in your ride to the test. The time is right to give your car, truck or SUV some much-deserved TLC after the winter driving season

Spring's coming, finally- but there are still a few weeks left of the winter blahs. Your car's got them too: it's covered in salt on the outside, sand on the inside, and probably feeling a little neglected. Winter takes a wicked toll on your vehicle. Inside, hockey bags and skates leave moisture and odor to settle into fabrics. That spilled coffee stain will become permanent if it's not taken care of, and the corrosive mixture of sand and salt in your footwells will do a nasty number on the carpeting if not attended to.

We've all seen that car or truck with rusty holes through the body panels, flaky and discolored paint and brown-red stains dripping down the sides like bullet holes. Its rust: the disease that needlessly claims the lives of many vehicles every year. Not only is it a cosmetic disgrace that can ruin an otherwise great machine, but it poses a safety concern too. Weak, rusty metal compromises the strength of the vehicles uni-body or frame, and in extreme cases, perforation can allow exhaust gasses to enter the cabin.

Car Care Canada is on a mission. Their goal: to educate the Canadian motorist about some simple and effective ways they can reduce fuel consumption in their vehicles. They've asked Kelly Williams, a veteran CASCAR racer and former presenter on Canada's Worst Driver, to be their spokesperson.

Every fall it is the same story: Rustproofing companies begin an aggressive advertising campaign, corner garages put up signs displaying their treatments and we get coupons in the mail... It is a seasonal topic but rust is always an issue. Many people are confronted by something they know they should do to protect their car but are often not certain as to what they should do.

If you feel like only about a month has passed since you were beginning spring cleaning duties, you aren't alone. It is a reality for many Canadians how short and sweet our summers are, and you might find yourself readying for fall cleanup.

We've all seen that car or truck from time to time with rusty holes through the body panels, the paint discolored by brown-red stains dripping down the sides that look like bullet holes. Its rust: the disease that needlessly claims the lives of many vehicles every year. Not only is it a cosmetic disgrace that can ruin an otherwise great machine, but it poses a safety concern in many cases where weak rusty metal compromises the strength of the vehicles uni-body or frame, or in extreme cases allows exhaust gasses to enter the cabin via holes.